Among the most surprising moments from last night's mayoral forum was Joe Lhota suggesting the city turn some ground-floor apartments in NYCHA buildings into retail space. And the "stormiest words" were delivered by Public Advocate Bill de Blasio. [Michael Grynbaum]

Lhota has to "draw some sharp distinctions with the Democrats," says one News columnist. [Josh Greenman]

Quinn avoids the wrath of one editorial board by not joining her colleagues in calling for a moratorium on school closings. [New York Post]

"There will be a power behind the throne in the schools chancellor’s office if John Liu, Bill de Blasio or Bill Thompson wins the 2013 mayoral election. His name will be Michael Mulgrew." [Daily News]

State officials are preparing a contingency plan for "a budget shortfall almost twice as large" as the $1.3 billion gap currently facing the state if federal officials reduce certain health care payments. [Laura Nahmias]

A member of Cuomo's education reform commission, Columbia University professor Michael Rebell, said he may sue the state in order to lift Cuomo's cap on education spending. [Geoff Decker]

Cuomo is proposing to spend more money next year on education than the state did last year, but that's still below what the state is supposed to be spending, according the Campaign for Fiscal Equity lawsuit. [Jason Lewis]

The president and C.E.O. of the National Urban League cheered Cuomo and Obama's efforts to curb gun violence. [Marc Morial]

Cuomo should spend a day inside a classroom in Queens with Arthur Goldstein. [Diane Ravitch]